OH will more likely answer to lobster if he's forgotten that sun cream!

The ground was very dry and dusty but I planted the courgettes, with a good dollop of manure under each one to help them along. My first sowing of peas is going great guns but the second batch seems to be struggling - maybe because its a different variety of seed. The sweet peas will have to go in later as I ran out of time.

Inkadog sounds like you are in for a very satisfying day. I tend to get carried away when pruning things.

Debbie 11, I'd hazard a guess and say as long as the outermost layers are upside down the rest won't really matter! Well done with that border, it looks lovely - and I'm sure will improve further as things get established.

A friend of mine went to Chelsea yesterday and complained it was too hot and too crowded. No pleasing some people, I'd just like the chance to go. We are never satisfied are we?

Dean, seems like you've got it sorted. Hope you have some potatoes growing - its so rewarding digging up the first baby new potatoes and they taste so much better than anything you can get in the shops!

FC, you seem to have found the perfect job for you, am very happy for you. but the closest I will get to Chelsea is to watch it on TV! I might make it to the Hampton Court show if I'm lucky.

Wintersong, sounds like you've really had your work cut out there, but at least the end is in sight - literally!!

Home for birthday cake later, yum! Haven't seen the birthday boy today as he hadn't surfaced when I left this morning!

I'm itching to get to the plot this lunchtime but I can't as its son no. 1's birthday tomorrow so I have to go into town to buy gifts.

Dean, I looked at your photos of your allotment on the other thread - wow that's well organised - mine is nothing like as tidy! I can't even get seeds sown in a straight line when I use string as a guide! I am sure you have done so already but make sure your greenhouse is very well anchored to the ground - a lady on my site had one like that and in strong winds it became airborne and was completely wrecked. She gave up her plot soon after that, such a shame.

I've got a long list of things to do, including planting out my squashes. They will appreciate this warm weather (as do I!)

I've had patchy germination from my squash seeds this year - so will have another go, and hope they catch up. I'm hoping the warm weather will encourage them. The beans have yet to put in an appearance but I left sowing them until after my holiday, so there's still time for them to get going.

I made some nettle 'tea' last year, great stuff (and very smelly). This year I'm doing the same but I also got some comfrey seeds off the internet, some of which have germinated so I'll transfer them to a large pot for use later on.

Went to the plot last night after work and got bitten by a vampire - well judging by the red lump on my neck that's what it was!

Kate, the allotment is a bit of a mess, but its been worse! Still got an area that needs preparation before I can get my courgettes and squashes in, and I need to get on with it! Should get done this week if I don't get distracted. The broad beans, peas, onions, shallots, garlic and potatoes are growing nicely, but so are the weeds, and the grass edges badly need a trim.

I got 3 dahlias yesterday at the allotment plant sale, so will be planting those soon. They have some healthy green shoots - do you think they can go in now or should I wait a couple of weeks? The weather looks promising!